Rocky Mountain High

+1 on the write-up.  

Estes park (the east entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park) can get pretty crowded in the summer. A better (and I think prettier in many ways) alternative is to start an adventure into the park is from the west entrance- Granby/ Grand Lake area. You will still be able to travel along Trail Ridge Road- the highest continuous paved road in the US it climbs above 12,000 feet altitude but is easy to drive and has absolutely awesome scenery. You are more likely to see the elusive Bighorn Sheep there than anywhere.

I agree with you (about side winds and boring flat stretches) if you are trailering on I-80 thru Nebraska.  But I hate hauling the Pod on a freeway. It overtasks my SUV, mileage, and trailer control if I try to do 70-75!  I prefer smaller highways at 50-55 mph. If I have the time traveling in Nebraska, I prefer US-20 in the north part of the state. It tends to follow the Niobrara River. There are a number of National Forests and wildlife areas (elk and bison) along the route.  The river is usually crystal clear, fairly shallow (great for flat-water kayaking or canoeing).  There are boating outfitters that will drop you off and pick you up. And a considerable number of camping spots...but not KOA types!

Bravo David!  Great photos.  Thanx for sharing.  

LOVE Estes Park. Our children live in Ft. Collins. We go up most every year, not to camp, but for mating time of the elk. I contiune to marvel at the hi pitched squeek of the thundering males. Wonder why God made them that way.